Italy

Cinque Terre Hiking 6 Days Welcome to the Ligurian Coast — the jewel of the Mediterranean! Become entranced by the seductive charms of this stunning coastline. Feel the heat of the sun as you walk through terraced citrus orchards and vineyards high-above the sparkling blue waters of the sea. Breathe the aroma of freshly baked foccaccia while meandering the cobbled streets of tiny cliffside villages. Embrace the tranquility of Mediterranean oak forests teaming with butterflies, birds and wild flowers. Delight your palate each night with traditional pastas and fresh seafood while sipping a crisp Ligurian white.

Day 1Arrive in Monterrosso. Monterosso al Mare is the most western town of the Cinque Terre. The village is protected by hills covered with vineyard and olive groves. It has beautiful beaches, steep rugged cliffs and crystalline waters.
Spend some time wandering in old Monterosso dominated by the ruins of the castle and characterized by typical tower-houses crossed by the "carruggi", narrow medieval streets.
Overnight in Monterrosso.

Day 2
Explore the hills above Monterosso today - stopping in at the Sanctuary of Sovoire and at the top of Colla Bagari for great views. You’ll also have time to explore the historic sites in Monterosso—like the 13th century church of St. John and the castle ruins. Night in Monterosso. Distance: 11 km, elevation gain 650 m.* (4.5 hours)

Day 3
The classic Cinque Terre walking trail awaits you today. Begin in Monterosso, the northernmost of the five famous perched villages and make your way to the southernmost - Riomaggiore. See for yourself what makes this region so famous! Be sure to stop in at one or more of the enotecas that can be found in these villages, to sample some local fare. Night in Riomaggiore. Distance: 13 km, elevation gain 550 m.* (4.5 hours)In the event that the coastal trail (Senturo Azzuro #2) between Vernazza and Riomaggiore is closed, an alternative is to walk Senturo #2 Monterossa to Vernazza , take the train to Corniglia (4 minutes, one stop), then alternate trails from Corniglia to Riomaggiore.Distance: 14 km, elevation gain 1160 m.*

Day 4
Start your day in Riomaggiore and walk the last section of trail in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Cinque Terre. Your destination is the charming village of Portovenere. Night in Portovenere. Distance: 15 km, elevation gain 680 m.* (5.5 hours)

Day 5
Today is an island walk around Isola Palmaria, a short ferry from Portovenere. An island noted for its natural beauty, the scent of sage, myrtle, broom, acacias and strawberry-trees will follow you all day long. On this walk you will encounter panoramic views, evocative grottoes, and remnants of a ferocious past. Night in Lerici. Distance: 11 km, elevation gain 305 m.* (3 hours)

Day 6
Before departure explore the area along the coast of the Golfo dei Poeti - so named because this was the area that Byron, Shelley, Sand, and others, came to be inspired. Your walk will take you to the old European seaside village of Tellaro. Spend some time at one of the many beaches along your route, before returning to Lerici. Depart on this day for your next adventure.Distance: 11 km, elevation gain 680 m.* (4.75 hrs).

*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.